During which stage of group dynamics do members typically exhibit uncertainty about boundaries and acceptable behavior?

The stage during which group members often experience uncertainty about boundaries and acceptable behavior is the forming stage. In this initial phase of group dynamics, individuals come together and start to understand their roles within the group. During forming, members are typically polite and may hold back their opinions, leading to ambiguity about the group's objectives and the expected behavior of each member. This is a critical time for establishing trust and rapport, as members navigate through their initial impressions of one another.

As they come together, members may question their place within the group, which contributes to the uncertainty about how to behave, how to interact with one another, and how to contribute effectively. This exploration of roles and norms is essential for moving toward more cohesive functioning in later stages, such as storming and performing, where roles and expectations become clearer and more established.